In this intensely competitive buyer’s market, you need to be truly ready to buy and have the competitive edge of a committed agent on your side. If you’re like most, buying a home is a huge endeavor for you. You owe it to yourself to be fully committed and have a cohesive plan and expert advocate on your side. This is especially true if you are coordinating your purchase and your sale.

Consider these eight factors for successful home-buying in the current real estate market.

1. Make Sure You Are Truly Prepared. Ryan Raveis, Co-President of William Raveis, Inc. recently spoke at the Luxury Portfolio International Summit in Las Vegas and shared four recommendations from top real estate economist, Dr. Marci Rossell for being prepared: First, be financially ready. Second, be emotionally ready, and know what size, style and price home you want. Third, have a sense of urgency, because most of the competing buyers do. And forth, bring your desire to compete!
2. Have an Expert Guide Who Knows What You Want. You should hire a Realtor before you do anything else so that you will have a dedicated guide who understands your preferences, tastes, and priorities as you start your search. This will enable your agent to make your process focused and efficient.
3. Be the First to Know. There are numerous buyers looking to pursue the same listing you want in this market. Agents send listings to the clients who have hired them for their home search before sharing with buyers who sign a buyer agreement at the last minute on the way to a showing. These properties can be homes for sale privately in-house and coming soon that agents may learn of through their office, and network. Your agent can also reach out directly to owners of off-market homes that interest you.
4. Get Help Assembling Your Team. Your agent will help you assemble your extended team of professionals including your lender, attorney, and inspector.
5. Ensure Your Confidentiality Is Protected & Get the Inside Scoop. Enjoy confidentiality of the information you provide about your priorities and motivations, knowing it is protected from competitors. You may also benefit from learning inside information your agent hears about. Confidentiality and disclosure are reserved for clients that have a representation agreement in place.
6. Get Information You Need to Make Informed Decisions. When you find a property you want, your agent will provide you with information you need such as property disclosures, maps, fuel tank status, wetlands, improvements, flood information, sale history, and comparable sales so you feel comfortable making your choices.
7. Get In-depth Support From Start to Finish Line. Your agent will be your trusted guide during the entire process of your home purchase. This means,
   • Targeting your search so you don’t waste time or miss out on a home you like
   • Explaining your options for making an offer that is favorable to you and also most likely to be accepted by the seller
   • Negotiating for you during your offer and after inspections
   • Monitoring the critical steps once you have an accepted offer
   • Being there to answer your questions and calm emotions that often go with this monumental purchase
8. Enable Your Agent To Do the Best Job For You. Last, but not least, your Realtor is a professional with extensive training, experience, resources, and expertise who is investing significant time and passion into achieving your success. You want to work with them in a way that allows them to do the best job for you. Team-up with your Realtor for your home run!

You are now on the best path to your exciting new home!